Scriptural Sanctification - Media Sabda Org

"I do not find this life -- what in my ignorance I once regarded it -- one of mysticism, indolence,
and self-gratulation, but a life of ceaseless activity and undisturbed repose; of perpetual absence of
all weariness amid perpetual employment. Neither do I find it a condition of stagnation. All life
involves growth, and there are no limits to the possibilities of growth in the life of faith. The more
the soul receives the more it is capable of receiving, and the more it yearns to receive.
"I have not realized that this experience exempts us from trial, persecution, and disappointment.
For me the way has frequently been strewn with thorns rather than roses. Unkindness has often
wounded my heart. Friends have turned away, sometimes with pity and sometimes with blame. At
times I have been in heaviness through manifold temptation, and faith has almost yielded to the
outward pressure; but, blessed be God! for sixteen years I have been preserved from all murmuring,
disquietude, or fear. The trials have not been too many or too severe. Every arrow has been feathered
with love, and every furnace blast has but consumed the dross. I am saved! saved to the uttermost!
Glory to the Lamb!"
We have space for only brief comments on Dr. Levy's very striking experience. It is in most
respects similar to that of other thoughtful men of the different Churches.
1. It came after a clear conversion, about which he "never afterwards had a doubt."
2. It was not merely restoration from a backslidden state.
3. It came after great trouble about his lack of purity and peace of heart, and remarkable struggles
against the prejudice of denominational training.
4. It was by faith and instantaneous in its development.
5. He had abundant and satisfactory assurance that the work was done -- knew when it was
accomplished.
6. It was permanent and abiding in its effects.
7. Also that he has grown in grace, and thinks "there are no limits to the possibilities of growth
in the life of faith."
Many years after the above was written, Dr. Levy says:
"Many inquiries are made concerning the author's present and more mature views involved in that
experience. The question has been more than once asked, 'Has time or more careful examination of
the Scriptures, or a better acquaintance with the human heart, made it necessary to modify or reject
the conclusions as untenable?' To all these interrogations one and the same answer has been given:
'By no means.' A better knowledge of God's word, a keener insight into the heart, and a deeper
experience of the workings of the blessed Holy Spirit have only confirmed and intensified the
testimony then given."